BECOMING A MEMBER

Let’s face it, every once in a while you catch yourself thinking, “I probably ought to join Parkside.” But then the phone rings, the game starts, the microwave signals supper time, or something just as pressing captures your attention, and off you go.

In spite of all the other options begging for attention in life, the time has come for many of you to seriously consider joining the church.

Why Join A Church?
A lot of people assume as long as they are following Christ or attend church regularly, they don’t need to commit to membership. But, we believe there are at least three reasons for having formal membership.

First, it fits the biblical model. Believers in the New Testament clearly identified themselves with a specific local body and were challenged to become devoted participants.

Second, formal membership is valuable to the leaders of the church. At some point it is important to identify the core that can be counted on at Parkside. Leaders need to know whether we are accomplishing our mission to lead people into a life changing relationship with Jesus Christ. Membership is one way to measure that effectiveness.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, membership benefits you. It’s an important spiritual step that moves each of us out of the vague clouds of our good intentions and into the clear light of committed participation. The membership process can be a defining moment in a Christian’s lifelong discipleship journey.

You know it’s time to join Parkside when…
…you recognize Andy at the store and ask, “Haven’t I met you somewhere?”
…people ask you where you go to church and you answer, “Parkside Christian Church.”
…you remember which entrance you entered and can easily find your car afterward.
…you put a portion of your hard-earned money in the offering on a regular basis.
…you have invited someone to attend Parkside with you.
…you find yourself gravitating toward the same seat every Sunday morning.

What Is A Participating Member?
We become ”members” of the body of Christ (the universal church) at the moment of our conversion. The Bible is full of references to that once-and-for-all union with Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 2:13-22; 4:3-6; Colossians 1:13-22). Our baptism into Jesus Christ unites us with believers everywhere who are saved by his grace. That “membership” is eternal and unchanging.

But the Bible also urges believers to continue growing by becoming “participating members” in a specific local assembly (Romans 12:4-8 1 Corinthians 12:25-31; 14:12,26; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Timothy 3:14-15). While the invisible bond between all believers is difficult to discern, we can identify those who are the participating members here at Parkside Christian Church.

How Do I Join Parkside?
To become a participating member of Parkside Christian Church you will need to complete this 4-step process.

• Initiate a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and be baptized (immersed). Since this relationship is vital to your salvation, it has to come first. The Bible’s instructions are simple and clear.
• Attend Discover Parkside to learn about the vision & values that are the driving force of everything we do. Discover Parkside is held monthly.
• Complete the “New Member Profile” and review it together with your group leader (Life Group, Ministry Group, Bible Study, etc.) or a minister.
• Celebrate with your church family at a New Member Reception and get introduced (via video screen) as a new participating member during a Parkside worship service.